Differences in Comorbidities and Quality of Life in a Racially Diverse Population Between Patients With and Without Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Preliminary Results

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional bowel disorder characterized by altered bowel habits and abdominal pain and is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). We showed in a recent retrospective study that IBS represents a significant health care burden and is associated with several comorbidities. The aim of this prospective study is to validate results from the retrospective study and compare the...